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Off-Limits #2

The Best Worst Mistake

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Listening Length: 9 hours and 24 minutes

What if the one that got away came back . . . ?

Abby never thought she'd see Dax Harper again — let alone bump into him in a Manhattan coffee shop.

Dax was her law school fling. The one that got away. The almost-relationship she never could forget.

Now he's older. Hotter. And in town for just one night.

Dax wants dinner. Abby wants one night of rekindled heat.

It won't change anything. He's in L.A. She's in New York. No strings. No regrets.

Until Abby's firm is called to L.A. in a deal that will make, or break, her career. She's ready for anything — except finding Dax on the other side of the boardroom table. All confidence, charm, and those damn hazel eyes still looking at her like she's the only one in the room.

For the sake of their careers, they must stay professional.

But when the tension sizzles hotter than their last night together, it's clear some rules are made to be broken . . .

10 pages, Audible Audio

First published July 2, 2025

810 people are currently reading
959 people want to read

About the author

Lily Parker

3 books81 followers

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5 stars
756 (18%)
4 stars
1,620 (40%)
3 stars
1,345 (33%)
2 stars
249 (6%)
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30 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 291 reviews
Profile Image for cora .
132 reviews241 followers
July 1, 2025
i could really see the vision here, but unfortunately, i didn’t love the execution.

this book follows two lawyers, abby and dax, who used to be friends with benefits back in law school. now, years later, they’re on opposite sides of a high-stakes deal, while having to maintain a professional front.

let’s start with what i enjoyed.
there were some genuinely funny moments that made me laugh, which i always appreciate. dax, especially in the beginning, was pretty endearing. it was refreshing to see the male lead be the one pushing for something more than just a physical connection. he treated abby with respect and made his intentions clear early on, which flipped the usual dynamic in a nice way.

i also liked the deeper dive into abby’s past and her complicated family situation. while i didn’t connect with her as much as i hoped to, i still found that part of the story important and meaningful.

now for what didn’t work for me.
the premise had me expecting tension and angst. this is supposedly a forbidden love story. unfortunately, i felt no tension between them. there’s a lot of telling us they shouldn’t be doing this, but no real consequences or resistance. everything was just…too easy.

also, the pacing felt off. from the first few pages, they’re already deeply obsessed with each other, and things move too fast for my taste. i get that they had history, but i would’ve liked a slower burn, especially since it’s meant to be a professional setting. dax is openly drooling over abby by page 10, and while i enjoy an obsessed mmc, i don't like rushed romances.

overall, i just wanted more buildup, both emotionally and romantically, before the story dove into the steamy stuff. with a little more time spent getting to know the characters and exploring their internal conflicts, i would've liked this much more.

thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Allie.
67 reviews26 followers
May 19, 2025

This is a really quick and easy romance read following Abby and Dax, ex situationship/no labels but definitely more than friends relationship who reconnect in a chance encounter in New York.

I really enjoyed how this book seemed to focus more on moments in time rather than a really long span. The first 50% ish of the book occurs mostly over 24 hours and it really lets you to get a feel for the emotions of the characters while they’re reconnecting and getting to know each other again. It created a kind of intimacy with the reader and made me feel like I was there with them.

I would have really loved to read more about what happened in college the first time around so I could feel a bit more connected to the rekindling romance. It made it feel a little insta lust-y which isn’t my favourite, but was otherwise well fleshed out.

Overall it’s a fun and quick read that would be great for a holiday or for summer ☀️

Tropes:
🪴 Second Chance Romance
☀️ Friends-to-lovers
🪴 Office romance
☀️ Spicy
🪴 A “f**k it” moment

Thank you to Lily Parker for the advanced copy, this was my first of yours but won’t be the last 🥰🫶

⭐️3.5 stars rounded up for goodreads
Profile Image for Nivsreview.
163 reviews37 followers
August 11, 2025
I can't find words to express my gratitude for this plot. as someone who has always been a fond of second chance romance this one just took that trope to a whole next level.

never in my wildest dreams i thought of coming near a story like this, it has all my heart, emotions, soul everything.

what this book has to offer :-
- law firm attorneys MCs
- second chance ( more like third chance )
- some things never change.

I am highly impressed with how the plot started with FMC ( Abby ) bumping into MMC ( Dax ) at a coffee shop in newyork after 6 six years of being in distance.

After the meet how again they took more 6 months gap to bump into eachother again universally.

and at last when she's letting him see the parts of her's she kept hidden from everyone, expressing why she never felt like she deserve to be loved.

I've immense respect for the MMC here who kept hoping and being very patient for her, taking her to all the places she always wanted to experience.

and how at the end two people are meant to be together came to an agreement to finally give eachother the chance to actually be together.

there's not a single chapter or single event in this story which I say I didn't enjoy reading, every word , every sentence was such perfectly written.

reading this book was like a personal comfort hug to me.

as far as I've to say about the characters Dax and Abby, both are their own person in their own world, but when they let eachother see how truly they can be with eachother without hiding anymore it's so perfect.


Now I can't wait to read the 3rd book in this series, cuz now I'm patiently waiting for Silas's story.
Profile Image for Amanda Blanche.
363 reviews39 followers
May 25, 2025
ARC Read - releases July 2025. Thank you NetGalley!

Second Chance Romance with Heart and Humour. Abby is a workaholic lawyer with a difficult past that makes it hard for her to be loved and love in return. Deciding the best way to prove herself is through work, she never leaves the office. One day, while getting coffee, she runs into an old flame - Dax. Abby and Dax were friends with benefits/no strings for years in law school, but when the feelings started to get real, Abby ghosted Dax. Dax has never been able to get over Abby. So when date pulls them back together, it feels like it might be their time. But when Abby runs again, Dax is ready to give up. When they meet again, it’s as opposing lawyers fighting for the same deal - a career making deal. Trying to navigate their past, Abby and Dax try to build up their connection as more than just physical, and Abby looks within herself as to why she cannot let herself love and rely on another.

Beautiful, funny story. Great cozy read. Will be going back to read the first in the series -Liv’s book - and looking forward to Silas’ book.
Profile Image for Buried_in_Fiction.
249 reviews17 followers
June 26, 2025
First I would like to extend a thank you to the publisher, Joffe Books and author Lily Parker for the advanced copy of this book. My thoughts are my own.

Another sweet, feel good story by Lily Parker! With an intriguing plot and good pacing, Lily has a way of drawing you in and placing you right alongside of the characters.

Dax was a total sweetheart, a hot cinnamon roll in a suit. He was kind, loving, and patient- I would have loved to know more background on him and their past relationship. I wasn’t sure about Abby at first- the way she treated Dax and her avoidance of the situation didn’t sit well with me. However, as her story unfolded- I loved seeing her depth and growth because it added so much to her character. The characters were well written and enjoyable- except Silas… man did he bug me!

While this book did have its rom-com like moments, I’d say this was more of an emotional read. It has more drama and heavier topics and less lighthearted, comedic ones that you’d typically see in rom-coms. I didn’t mind as I enjoy reading books with more serious topics- this just differs from the first book.

Overall, I found this to be a sweet story, an easy to read and Lily Parker is definitely an author I would recommend!

🩷 Friends to lovers
🩷 Found family
🩷 Cinnamon roll hero
🩷 Forced proximity
🩷 Office romance
Profile Image for gladness.
288 reviews7 followers
May 18, 2025
abby runs into her old law school fling, dax—who, yes, has a hot name and hotter energy—but their reunion is giving “we used to vibe once and now we’re both awkward and mildly emotionally unavailable.” they hook up, think it’s a one-time thing, and then boom she walks into a boardroom and guess who’s there? it’s dax. in all his smug, lawyer-y glory.

forced proximity? ✅
career-threatening stakes? ✅
sexual tension?? …eh. kinda?



so what went wrong?
insta-lust syndrome. i know it’s a second chance romance so technically there’s history, but baby we didn’t see that history. the connection felt more like “remember that time we kissed during finals week?” than “i’ve been in love with you for years.”

where’s the build-up?? it jumped from “hey lol long time” to “take your pants off” with zero tension in between. like okay… sir i just got here.

characters were meh. i didn’t dislike them, but i also didn’t care if they kissed, cried, or committed a crime. they just didn’t stick.



some good stuff tho:
• dax is a cinnamon roll in a suit. love that for him.
• the workplace drama could’ve been iconic if it had more bite.
• quick read. if you want something light, sexy-ish, and kind of brainless (no shade), this’ll do the trick.



final verdict:
f you love second-chance romances and you’re in your “i’ll read anything with forced proximity” era, go for it. but if you’re looking for that real slow burn tension or characters with actual flavor?? you might wanna skip.

2.75/5 — fine but forgettable. not a worst mistake, but definitely not my best read either.

*thank you netgalley, the author, and the publishing team for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Anca A.
469 reviews34 followers
July 3, 2025
#Review: *The Best Worst Mistake* - Lily Parker - ARC [18+]
4.5/5✨
3/5🌶️

I recently read "The Best Wrong Move" by the author and I enjoyed it, so I wanted to read more by her. I've applied for an e-ARC and she was kind enough to accept pe for one. Thank youu!!🤗

Abby and Dax Harper had a complicated history, having a sort of relationship a few years back. But their life plans and insecurities have torn them apart but a strong tension remained there. One of them was now in L.A and the other in New York. But when their paths crossed again, they couldn't resist staying apart, even though Dax was in New York only for a night.

A bigger surprise hit them when they had to work against each other, but the rules they had set were about to be broken, the sizzling tension becoming unbearable to resist. Abby doesn't want to be in a relationship, he craves to have her for himself, but would they be able to make the right choices for their professional and personal lives?

Abby was such a strong, independent and intelligent woman, giving me vibes of a black cat. Underneath all that, she had some insecurities only she knew, being reluctant in sharing her struggles with someone else. She had Lily, her best friend, but she had now her own life to think about and the long distance didn't help either. Dax was so darn charming and lovable, adoring the way he acted around Abby, being so considerate and careful with her. Even though years have passed, Dax still felt that strong connection to her and was still able to read her, to see all her feelings and uncertaties.

This book was fun to read and I enjoyed so much the bickering and that constant banter between the main characters. I liked that it had an emotional side too, making it more complex.

✨Tropes
#SecondChanceRomance
#TheOneThatGotAway
#Rivals
#FriendsToLovers
#FoundFamily
#CinnamonRollHero
#ForcedProximity
Profile Image for Nicola Doyle.
471 reviews15 followers
July 6, 2025
I loved this book. It was such a great and fun read. I loved the premise. Second chance romance is a firm favourite trope of mine and this did not disappoint me.

The cover is so bright and colourful. I love it. It's definitely eye-catching and it would grab my attention in a shop for sure.

The book is well written and flows perfectly. Some descriptions of certain scenes have me slight blushes so that was really well done!

The setting of New York then LA was perfect. Two bustling mega cities for two high flying lawyers!

The characters were excellent and fit in well. I loved Abby and Dax. They were excellent together. I loved their interactions and how their story unfolded.

I definitely recommend this. It may be book 2 in a series but it's definitely fine to read as a standalone. I'm definitely going to check out book one.
Profile Image for Brandon Gilbert.
106 reviews
September 3, 2025
Very enjoyable. I mostly listened because it was free on audible. But I was very pleasantly surprised. I highly recommend.
Profile Image for Klara.
230 reviews9 followers
August 4, 2025
This was a great summer read—really simple, easy, and just what I needed for a light escape. I especially liked how, in the beginning, it dives into Abby and Dex’s dynamic (or lack of one) and gives you a clear sense of who wants what. I also appreciated that Dex actually tries to make their relationship more than just a hookup—definitely a refreshing twist.

That said, I did have some issues with the timeline. It felt odd how one particular day in the story seemed to stretch on forever, packed with so much detail, and then suddenly a whole month was squeezed. It threw me off a bit and made it tricky to really get a sense of how everything developed between Abby and Dex. Most of the book is their banter and, at times, you don’t get much of them actually together during that month—just a few back-and-forths and two dates, so I couldn’t help but feel like something was missing. Also, knowing they’re working at rival law firms on the same case adds tension, but it’s complicated that Abby is the one who initiates things with Dex, considering how it could impact her career.

On the plus side, I loved learning more about Abby’s childhood—it explained why she’s so closed off and scared to let anyone in. And her “granmanager” absolutely stole my heart; she’s that classic, loving grandma figure you’d do anything for. Honestly, I’d read a whole book just about her!
Profile Image for Aimee.
110 reviews47 followers
July 8, 2025
Thank you to Lily Parker and Joffe Books for the ARC!
⭐️ 4.5/5 | 🌶 3/5

Read if you like:
💘 Second chance romance
🏢 Workplace rivals
👨‍👩‍👧 Found family
💭 “It’s always been you”

Okay, I’m obsessed!! Lily Parker has officially become one of my go-to romance authors. Her writing is just so cute, fun, and full of heart. I flew through this book in no time! I DEVOURED IT! It was that addictive! 😍

The Best Worst Mistake had everything I wanted in a romance. A second chance love story? Check. Sharp, flirty banter? Check. A lovable cast of characters that feel like family? Double check. The chemistry between Abby and Dax was electric, and I couldn’t stop rooting for them to figure it all out and fall for each other again!

Their relationship felt so real and layered, filled with just the right amount of emotional depth. You could truly feel what they were going through, and their honest communication made their connection even more satisfying❤️

I also adored the found family aspect! It completely warmed my heart. Every side character brought something special to the story, and their closeness made me want to hang out with them too!!

And can we talk about the perfect balance of spice and humor? The romance was swoony and steamy in all the right ways, with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments that had me smiling like a total dork.

If you're looking for a funny, heartwarming romance with fun banter and characters you’ll want to hug, this one is for you! I already can’t wait to see what Lily writes next!💕
Profile Image for Brooke Kathleen.
59 reviews
July 2, 2025
*thank you NetGalley for the arc* This book had me giggling and kicking my feet it was so cute! Dax is a such a cutie pie cinnamon roll and his and Abby’s chemistry was sooo good! I loved all the side characters too and getting to see Abby’s character growth through finding her own family 🥹 Highly recommend if you want a fun easy read romance with a little bit of spice!
Profile Image for Kate |  TheBookishTraveler_.
30 reviews5 followers
August 14, 2025
This is the second book in the interconnected stand alone Off-Limits series!

What happens when you bump into the “one that got away” right in the middle of your morning coffee run?!

Abby and Dax had undeniable chemistry throughout their ongoing fling during law school but after graduation, Abby heads across the country to New York City and Dax remains in LA. But when Dax is in town for one night and the two bump into one another at Abby’s local coffee shop, it’s obvious the spark has never gone out for these two. Abby hopes for a fun and hot no-strings-attached night while Dax wants a dinner date. One night can’t hurt, right?! All those feelings for Dax she has long guarded her heart from won’t resurface, correct?!

So when Abby’s law firm is called to LA to manage a deal that if all goes well, could land her dream job as firm partner, she is more than ready. What she’s not ready for is seeing Dax as the opposing counsel on the deal.

I loved this book! It had all the elements of second chance romance, friends-to-lovers, and found family while also highlighting the emotional side of learning how to trust and open your heart to love after a difficult family upbringing. I listened to the audio version of this book and absolutely loved the dual narration!
Profile Image for Endjoying .
105 reviews2 followers
June 4, 2025
First of all thank you to Lily Parker, the publisher and NetGalley for giving me early access to this eBook! All opinions in this review are my own.


Abby is a hardworking lawyer who hides behind her job to avoid dealing with her painful past. She doesn’t believe she deserves love and avoids connections. One day while grabbing coffee she runs into Dax. Her old law school fling. They were friends with benefits for years buttt when real feelings started to grow Abby panicked and disappeared. Dax never got over her.

Now they’re thrown together again this time as rival lawyers fighting for the same big case. As they reconnect old sparks fly. But Abby still struggles to open up and Dax isn’t sure he can handle another heartbreak. To move forward Abby must finally face what’s holding her back and decide if she’s ready to let love in.

It was a good book! I didn’t love it as much as other books but it was okay!
Profile Image for Anna-Marie.
169 reviews7 followers
July 6, 2025
A cute, friends to lover romance book. Also great for anyone who likes the second (or maybe even 3rd) chance romance, which this book really plays upon. It's dual perspective style was helpful to really get to know both characters and to know there was nothing malicious between the 2 of them as well. For me, it also highlighted the work life balance issues of some very high strung jobs so it was cute to see the characters take a step back from that to change their priorities.
Profile Image for Julie WB.
211 reviews
October 31, 2025
3.75⭐️ There was a lot I loved about the story. The first half flew by. I enjoyed their banter and chemistry and there were a few funny moments. The second half was a bit uneven, maybe it was the pacing, not quite sure, but something felt a bit off. Nothing major. Likable characters, emotional FMC backstory, MMC was pretty flawless. There were a few repetitive grammatical mistakes that drove me crazy, but I give a little leeway to indie authors. Overall fun, easy romance.
Profile Image for Kelsey Fiedor.
70 reviews
August 20, 2025
This was good but incredibly deep at some parts (chapter 25 i’m looking at you)
Profile Image for Kristin.
1,014 reviews81 followers
July 8, 2025
I really enjoyed this book! This is the second book in the Off-Limits series, but it can be read as a stand-alone. Right off the bat, the author did a fantastic job of establishing a connection between Dax and Abby. What I appreciated even more was the fact that Dax was the one that wanted more than just a hook up, and he wasn’t afraid to express this. It’s rare that we get to see the MMC this way and it made me fall in love with him even more.

I really enjoyed the arc of Abby’s character. I didn’t quite understand what made her have her walls up, but once she’s in L.A. and her and Dax have that time together, the picture becomes clear. Abby has been through some things, but I’m not going to spoil the book. The way that she slowly lets Dax in is quite beautiful.

I REALLY loved that Liv is just as present in this book. She was the FMC in the first book, but her friendship with Abby in this book is really strong. I love that the friendship is woven through this book as well.

This book really had me smiling from ear to ear, and I giggled a few times too. Dax is a cinnamon roll MMC, and Abby was fantastic in her own way. There is some spice in this book, but it’s not over the top. It’s very tasteful and it makes sense. I really loved this book and I think all romance readers will too!
Profile Image for Amy Houle.
5 reviews3 followers
June 26, 2025
The Best Worst Mistake" is a quick and easy romance read about Abby and Dax. They were ex situationship/no labels but definitely more than friends who reconnect in New York.
The book focuses on moments in time, with the first half happening mostly over 24 hours. This allows readers to feel the characters' emotions as they reconnect. This intimacy creates a connection with the reader. The second half happens over the course of a few months.
The second half focuses on getting to know Abby as a character and understanding her reluctance to a relationship. I would have enjoyed reading more about their law school romance to feel more connected to the rekindling romance. But it worked.
Overall, it's a fun and quick read perfect for a holiday or summer.
I received an advance copy the best worst mistake from Choc Lit Contemporary Romance: A Joffe Books Company & NetGalley for a review. All opinions are my own. Thank you to both the publisher, author and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Profile Image for Samantha .
201 reviews55 followers
July 13, 2025
My Initial Thoughts
I was so excited to carry on the Off-Limits series. The cover is beautiful and my favourite colour. Straight away it’s like picking up from where book 1 finished just in Abby’s POV which I really enjoyed the flow. Abby is a frustrating character at times and so stubborn and then you met Dax and start swooning in the coffee shop.
Plot
I did enjoy the plot, I found I enjoyed the parts where we was learning Abby’s history the best as I found it was missing something. I would of liked more about the boardroom meetings and the tension that would have caused for both Abby and Dax. It felt a bit rushed but I did enjoy the read.
Characters
I have to say when I first discovered Abby in book 1, I couldn’t wait for this book as her character had me laughing so hard. She didn’t in this one and I just felt myself getting frustrated with her at times. That being said I began to warm to her again when finding out her history. Dax is just the swoon worthy MMC, who also is super chilled, how many times does a man need to be ghosted before letting go ? Well good thing he never does and it makes for the 3rd time lucky for both characters. I loved how Olivia was in the book as well but one side character I loved was Starry. She was just the loving grandmother figure everyone wants and needs.
Recommend
If you’re a romance lover and a fan of second chances then this could be the series for you.
Favourite Quote
“Sometimes when you’re younger, it feels like everything important in your life is rushing toward the ending. Like you want to wrap the complexities of life up with a pretty bow and call them finished as fast as you can. Just to get to the next one. But when you get to my age, you realize that the journey is the part.”
Favourite Chapter/s
My favourite chapters were 14,20,28,35 and 39.
Summed up in one sentence
The second chance romance with history to put in the past, before you can move on.
Overall Wrap up
I did enjoy this, and loved the development for Abby. But the running around ghosting people just isn’t it lol. It was nice to see how Abby faced her past and then could finally begin a future and I adored the epilogue so much!
Stars & Spice – 3.75 stars and 3 chilli spices.

Book Information – The Best Wrong Mistake by Lily Parker.

Genre – Romance.

Pages – 324 pages.

Tropes –
Second/third chance romance.
Grumpy x sunshine.
Found Family.
Cinnamon roll MMC.
Available on Kindle Unlimited – Yes, both books published in the off limits series are available on kindle unlimited.

Available Formats – Available on kindle, audiobook and in paperback.

Publishing Information – Published on 2nd July 2025 by Choc Lit – Joffe Books.

Format in Which I Read – I read this on kindle.

Where my copy come From – My copy came from Zooloo’s Book Tours.

POVs – This is written in dual POV. Both Abby and Dax.

Single/Dual/Multiple Timelines – This is written on a single timeline.

1st, 2nd or 3rd person – This is written in 1st person.

HEA, HFN or Cliff hanger – This ends in a HEA.

Series or Standalone – This is book 2 in the Off-Limits series.

Trigger Warnings – Please check content warnings before reading if necessary and please always remember that your mental health matters.

Profile Image for Kate .
663 reviews311 followers
July 5, 2025
(4.5 Stars) Many thanks to the author for the gifted advanced digital copy!

When Abby runs into Dax at an NYC coffee shop, she hasn't seen her former law school classmate (and frequent hookup) in years. Dax asks her to dinner, but Abby is more interested in a no-strings-attached for old-time's sake. With him in LA and her in NYC, there couldn't possibly be more. But when Abby finds herself sent to LA on an assignment that could clinch her promotion to partner, she's surprised to find that Dax and his firm are representing the opposing side. Now, with weeks in front of them, their best option is to keep things professional. But neither can stop thinking about that night in NYC months ago. Can Abby overcome her childhood trauma and find herself worthy of the love Dax wants to give? Can they navigate a career-making negotiation without either of their jobs taking a hit?

I devoured Lily Parker’s debut, The Best Wrong Move, earlier this summer and immediately messaged her asking if I could be an arc reader for book two - Abby and Dax did not disappoint! Lily nails the perfect blend of heartfelt growth, swoony chemistry, and emotional authenticity. I especially loved the continued focus on the beautiful, deep friendship between Abby and Liv (the FMC from book one). Their cross-country support system is everything: raw, honest, and exactly what every woman deserves in a best friend. For anyone who has a best friend you love like a sister, you'll find their bond deeply relatable. I'm already anxiously awaiting the third book in the series. The MMC of Book 3 was set up so perfectly in this book that it leaves readers wanting to know more about him.
Profile Image for Cait Ireen | caitireenreads.
832 reviews161 followers
May 29, 2025
4/5 ⭐️
2/5 🌶️

After six years since their last encounter, Abby and Dax happen to run into each other in New York City at the same coffee shop. Though they’ve each changed during that time, their chemistry DEFINITELY has not. However, Abby’s fear of commitment causes the to miss out on what might have been. Smash cut to a few months later… and they’re reunited again, except it’s in L.A. as they’re on opposite ends of a battle for the same M&A deal. Can Abby and Dax fight their undeniable pull for a third time?

This was such a cute book! I was absolutely living for our girl Abby’s personal story and journey, mirroring a little bit of the journey of our FMC Olivia from Parker’s first book in this series, The Best Wrong Move. I love parallel journeys of our two “sisters” and two supportive they are of each other. It reminded me of some of the relationships I have with my friends! Abby’s history and choice to open up to Dax had me blubbering and truly feeling for her and I was so glad to see where she landed. The chemistry was sizzly, the sneaking around was hawt and I loved the relationship build. This was adorable and a great read.

What I Loved About This Story:
✨ Ex-friends with benefits
✨ Workplace rivals
✨ Found family
✨ Gut wrenching backstory had me all in my feels
✨ Open communication & a HEA!!

I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book via the author, @choclituk and @joffebooks, but my review is all my own.
Profile Image for SelkieReader.
455 reviews
May 26, 2025
Why do I always end up crying?
Dear sweet Abby, everyone’s BFF, who keeps her heart closed to everyone.
Shutting out everyone, all feelings, to keep out memories from her childhood.
There was only ever one guy who could have broken in but he didn’t fight for her, he let her go, she left him go.
The years have passed but when fate has plans that crosses their paths, can they take advantage of a second change? What about a third? Will there be a fourth?

Abby is a workaholic, the girl boss, she goes home to an empty kitchen, a cat that was never hers and hates her, and a million plants she loves to look at but doesn’t even know how to water. Money has given her all the things she thinks she wants but doesn’t know how to have, so like any modern woman, she outsources it.

Dax is the boy how got away, walked away, ok fine, Abby kept him at arm’s length, pushed him away and he let her. Neither of them ever getting over that fact.

I knew this wasn’t going to be a cut and dry second chance with instant love after reading the first in the series. There is depth I these chanters and though the book leans more towards Abby’s past, you get to know a larger cast of side characters too.

I’m looking forward to the third book!
Though I’m still holding out hope for Juju’s book Lily!!!!!
Profile Image for Jessica.
199 reviews6 followers
June 12, 2025
I was so excited for this arc to hit my inbox, especially so soon after falling in love with her debut! We met Abby in book 1, and I was immediately invested in the workaholic she is and excited to see her get her own HEA. This book started out light and fluffy and just an easy read about her and her friends with benefits Dax that she runs into after graduating and going their own ways in different coasts. They conveniently keep crossing paths and can’t seem to stay away from each other. When she needs to visit the west coast to close a deal, though, she gives in to the coincidences and agrees to spend more time with him, despite her commitment issues and hesitance. As they spend time together, we learn more about her history and why she is the way she is. It gets a little heavier in topics while we learn her background (which is the storylines I love), but not too heavy to take away the rom com aspect of it.

I really loved the overall vibe of the book- cute and funny, and of course we got a visit from Olivia from book 1. If Lily isn’t on your radar she definitely should be. The Best Worst Mistake will be available on 7/1!
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253 reviews4 followers
May 31, 2025
I want to thanks NetGalley for the ARC

The Best Worst Mistake is a total delight; funny, flirty, and full of heart. Lily Parker delivers a charming workplace rom-com that had me grinning like a fool and flipping pages way past bedtime. From the witty banter to the sizzling chemistry, this book nails the perfect blend of enemies-to-lovers tension and feel-good romance.

The dynamic between the two leads is electric. I loved how their relationship evolved from professional friction to something so much deeper, with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments (and a few swoon-worthy ones too). The dialogue is sharp, the pacing tight, and the emotional payoff is just chef’s kiss.

This is the kind of book that makes you want to hug it when you’re done. If you love clever heroines, buttoned-up heroes who unravel in the best way, and rom-coms that actually feel romantic, you’ll adore this one.
Profile Image for Shannon The Co-Captain.
1,012 reviews
October 24, 2025
4.25 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

I liked this one a lot more than the first book. I loved the beginning of the first book and then it kind of went off the rails for me. This one was more consistent throughout. I loved Dax! I definitely liked him more than Abby but I liked her too. I actually liked all the characters and the story was fun too. I’m so excited about Silas’s story that I’m diving into it next. I think the book is better than its ratings. I will say the female narrator was great but I just didn’t gee haw with Matt Mella. Honestly, I felt like Kelly Burke did a better voice for Dax than Matt did. I liked his narration but his voice just didn’t have that deep sexy quality I felt the character needed. He would be great doing an MM romance though. I just wasn’t feeling him for Dax. Otherwise the audiobook was good.
Profile Image for Sonja Charters.
2,733 reviews140 followers
July 2, 2025
Back in April, I read The Best Wrong Move by this author and the first in the Off-Limits series.

Having loved it, I was so excited to see this second book being released so soon and couldn't wait to get my hands on it and dive in!

 

Not quite the summery vibes of book 1, but with such a cute cover image again, this looked like we were in for another fun read and super cute romance.

 

Although this book would read perfectly fine as a standalone, I would recommend that you read this series in order and as a whole as we do see much more of Olivia (from the first book) here in Abby's story.

I love the friendship that they have together and it really adds something more to this book than just the romance element.

 

I once again fell in love with Abby and her story. The author manages to create such relatable characters that really resonate with the reader and I found myself completely invested from pretty early on in the book.

 

Of course the build up of the relationship, past and present, of our main characters, Abby and Dax was wonderful and I found myself rooting for them throughout as well as grinning at every interaction.

The chemistry was tangible and the spice when it came was everything!

 

Another great read by this author and a series I'm completely hooked on - I can't wait to see where book 3 will take us!
Profile Image for April.
478 reviews28 followers
July 2, 2025
This is Book 2 of the Off-Limits Series, and I absolutely love this series!

First up - adore that cover! Purple is always amazing on a cover 💜.

In this book, we get to know the incredible Abby (who we met in Book 1), a fiesty workaholic, and see what happens when she bumps into an old friend in a coffee shop!

I absolutely adore Abby, and I can see how her and Liv's friendship works so well! I did feel for her, though, when I realised how much of a workaholic she was. Abby is driven but loves and breathes the law firm she works for, and the world is passing her by.

When I learned about her past, I really felt for her and could see how the past had driven her future. She's an incredible lady.

Dax was just brilliant! I loved him the moment I met him - he's such a cinnamon roll hero! They really are a perfect duet, and I loved watching them dance around each other and their relationship grow!

The story itself is once again engaging, and I loved meeting two new characters and learning their story. I also loved how Liv and Dom dropped into the story every now and then, so I got got snippets of their lives, too.

This is a beautiful story, and while sad at times, so much fun!

A fantastic romance and a book (and a series!), I wholly recommend to all romance lovers!
1,155 reviews28 followers
July 5, 2025
After reading book 1 I was really hoping to get Abby's story. This did not disappoint!
From the off this book is packed with laughs, the second half of the book however really tugged at my emotional heartstrings! There is some really heartbreaking revelations for Abby, on a lesser scale for Dax as well. Trigger warnings for parental neglect, family difficulties and adoption.
Obviously the relationship between Dax and Abby is beautiful to watch unfold, but bigger than that is Abby's journey of realising her self-worth. Her relationship of chosen family with Liv is a huge part of this and I loved their friendship. Starry, Charlie and Dax were also hugely important to this in their own ways.
There are some wonderfully spicy scenes, though it felt like there were less than in book 1. I still really enjoyed these and thought they were perfect additions to the story.
It was a super quick read, I finished it over the course of a few hours as I just didn't want to put it down.
Having met some of the characters in Dax's world I am super excited for book 3 in the series to come!
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